At what point

[Alicel]

Are you considered cancer free ?

[Jules_PPC]

I’m not sure about the exact time, I guess it depends on the type of cancer and what tests they go by, as well as how long you’ve been with NED no evidence of disease. But maybe you are considered cancer free if you’re NED. That’s how I’m choosing to look at it. I’ve been NED since January 2018. So for now I’m cancer free. 😊🦋

[Alicel in reply to Jules_PPC]

Thank you for responding . I had stage 3 ovca in 2001 have had great ca125 tests since treatment ended and no sign of reoccurrence

Is that considered cured ? Can you reduce doctor visits from twice per year to once or are you always at risk ????

[Wanthealth in reply to Alicel]

Congratulations that’s wonderful and gives me some hope!! I will be starting chemo soon, having port put in Thursday. Found in Fallopian tube during routine hysterectomy and spit on peritonium (2b) My Ca125 was 28 ... What surgeries did you have and what chemo and for how long?

[Jules_PPC in reply to Alicel]

Wow! That’s awesome! I guess that’s up to the Oncologist and what they are comfortable with, I’d still probably want to go twice just for my own peace of mind, but I’m Kind of a paranoid person.

I have PPC stage IIIC, feel free to read my Bio.

16 years! That’s just so great! I’d consider myself cured, but I’d still get checked 🦋😊

[Alicel]

Hysterectomy

Carboplatin taxol and gemzar

Three drug combo

Good luck

[Wanthealth in reply to Alicel]

Thank you 🙏🏻 still very scared 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Just praying. Was gemzar given in conjunction with other 2 at the same treatment? Don’t know that drug

[tam57]

You have given me hope also. I completed 6 treatments of carboplatin /taxol a month ago. Was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer last September. My last CA125 was 7. Next appointment/ scan in June. Wondering if I should scan clinical trials or wait until next CA125 test. I also had the hysterectomy last September. No symptoms and finally my hair is coming back!

[Leyalyxei in reply to tam57]

Congratulations!! Have had 3 treatments & hysterectomy soon then 3 more. More congratulations on the hair regrowth. Hanging out for that time. Gives me hope after diagnosis with stage 3 just before Christmas. Couldn't be more pleased for you.

[Alicel in reply to Leyalyxei]

Thank you

I was told statistics are not you . We know what the stats are . Be strong !

[caf132]

Congrats Alicel!! Please keep us up to date with all that you have done to be cancer free after all this time. You give us all hope!! Wow stage 3, considered later stage. Any tips you can share? Hugs, Carol

[Alicel]

Pray a lot and keep medical appointments

[ecappiello]

My gyn/enc told me since she removed all visible tumors and I have completed chemo she considers that cancer free. After 3 month follow-ups for 2 years, 6 month follow-ups for 2 years and then one a year later they can use that unbelievable word "cured". (Although she will still want me to visit yearly forever after.)

Good luck and healthy wishes to you!

[Alicel in reply to ecappiello]

That is after five years right ? Here’s to good health

I know five years is a benchmark but sometimes that seems arbitrary . Why not seven years or eight ?

[Mimibetty in reply to Alicel]

With ovarian cancer, the benchmark would be how long you remain NED after treatment, not an arbitrary time frame. A recurrence after frontline tx is scary. I've had 3 recurrences since 2011 and doing fine right now. Scan next month. We are all different😅

[Alicel in reply to ecappiello]

Is it possible for cancer to return after years and would it be the same cancer ? I hear contradictions on this

[ecappiello in reply to Alicel]

I think there will always be that remote possibility of recurrence, which is why we should go annually after the 5 year benchmark. As for other cancers, have one doesn't make us immune to other illnesses or diseases.

The big plusses we have going for us are that we have learned to become much more aware of our bodies. We know to recognize symptoms that something might not be quite normal. We know we are tough and brave fighters too.

The best thing we have learned is that worry won't prevent things from happening. It will only take away from today. We learn to have an added joy for life and appreciate each day.

... And we are hopeful!

Wishing health to you and happiness always!

[mmont]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone here had stage 1A, high grade ov and had a recurrence?

I'm asking because I finished my six cycles of carbo/taxol on 2/14/18. My CA125 then was 16. On 4/2018, I had it checked again and it was 21.2. That freaked me out but I was told it was nothing to worry about.

Could it possibly mean the cancer is slowly coming back?

Thank you, best wishes to you all.